The handing over by the British National Army Museum took place in the UK capital London on Thursday amidst much clapping and singing by Ethiopians celebrating the landmark event after extensive negotiations between the two countries.
The two strands of hair were handed over to the Ethiopian Culture and Tourism Minister, Hirut Weldemariam who said she was blessed to be part of such a proud moment in her country’s history.
She said Emperor Tewodors II is still her country’s most loved emperors.
The hair was taken by a soldier serving the British army in a military expedition against Ethiopia over 150 years ago.
Earlier this month, Ethiopia secured a commitment from Britain to repatriate the remains of the emperor.
The Ethiopian Embassy in London issued a statement commending the move, saying it comes at the end of a year-long commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Maqdala.
“It signifies the dawn of a new level of shared understanding in our complex history. It is also a reflection of the longstanding ties between Ethiopia and the UK, based on a spirit of partnership and the principle of mutual benefit” its statement said.
It said the locks of hair represent to Ethiopians the remains of one of the country’s most revered and beloved leaders.
The embassy said a show of jubilant euphoria will greet the return of the hair to its rightful home in Ethiopia.